I have to admit that until my best friend, Sharon McPherson, mentioned that she had this disorder,
I had not really paid much attention to the few mentions I had seen on this subject.

Since that time I have joined two groups on Facebook for this health problem and have been
doing research to learn more.

The best explanation I could find was on wikipedia which has a wealth of information
on so many subjects AND I love because it is not trying to sell you something
or sign you up for anything, it JUST offers the best information possible.

“Fibromyalgia (new lat., fibro-, fibrous tissues, Gk. myo-, muscle, Gk. algos-, pain, meaning muscle
and connective tissue pain; also referred to as FM or FMS) is a medical disorder characterized by
chronic widespread pain and allodynia, a heightened and painful response to pressure.

Fibromyalgia symptoms are not restricted to pain, leading to the use of the alternative term
fibromyalgia syndrome for the condition. Other core symptoms include debilitating fatigue,
sleep disturbance, and joint stiffness.

Some patients may also report difficulty with swallowing, bowel and bladder abnormalities,
numbness and tingling, and cognitive dysfunction. Fibromyalgia is frequently comorbid
with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety and stress-related disorders
such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Not all people with fibromyalgia experience all associated symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2-4% of the population,
with a female to male incidence ratio of approximately 9:1.

Fibromyalgia is considered a controversial diagnosis, lacking scientific consensus
as to its cause. Many members of the medical community do not consider fibromyalgia
a disease because of a lack of abnormalities on physical examination
and the absence of objective diagnostic tests.”

More about this subject can be found at the wikipedia web site and on Sharon’s blog.

I also found a helpful Q & A booklet online put out by the government
and you can get print copies mailed to you, if needed.